Cabbies line the street to protest on Uber meeting
TAXI drivers held a demonstration outside Hove Town Hall. The GMB union, Streamline, City Cabs and independent hackney carriage drivers rallied around Tisbury Road and Church Street in Hove to protest the council’s decision to hold the discussion of the renewal of private taxi giant Uber’s licence in private.
The demonstration comes a week after taxi drivers assembled outside the Labour conference, warning that deregulation in the industry has led to a ‘wild West’ situation, with licences given out like ‘sweets’.
Andrew Peters, secretary of the GMB Brighton and Hove Taxi Section said: “Today we are handing over a petition to the council asking for a renewal of the Uber operators’ licence in Brighton to be held in public and not behind closed doors.” The petition, which has gathered 1,069 supporters so far, appeals for the council to rethink the way they negotiate with the private hire firm. It is signed by taxi drivers from across Brighton and Hove, among others who agree that Uber is going against the rules outlined in their licence agreement.
Rob Lawrie, a Brighton taxi driver, said: “Originally, Uber told us they would only use Brighton and Hove licensed vehicles. Since then, Uber has paid drivers to come in from out of town and promised them at least the minimum wage. “Every weekend we have 200-250 out-of-town drivers coming in, which is reducing the income of all Brighton drivers by 25 per cent.”
It is a worrying figure for taxi drivers, however the main concern with unregulated Uber vehicles among council members remains any threat to public safety. Councillor Lee Wares, Conservative councillor for Patcham, said: “It’s not about competition, it’s about levelling the playing field so that every hackney carriage and private hire vehicle in Brighton and Hove is as safe as it can be. It’s a public safety issue.
“Our blue book details what we hold out as our minimum standard. And if Uber can uphold that then that’s fine. But if we’re licensing something that’s about ensuring public safety, then a panel or hearing must be held in public.”
A spokesman for the app defended the company, saying it had always abided by the same rules and regulations as all other private hire operators. They said: “It’s common industry practice for drivers licensed in one jurisdiction to carry out trips in other jurisdictions as long as they are pre-booked and dispatched from the operator’s license they are registered to. “Uber has been embraced by people living in and visiting Brighton.”
Last week, Transport for London made the decision not to renew Uber’s licence in the capital. A spokesperson for Brighton and Hove City Council told The Argus the taxi giant had not yet applied to renew their licence, which expires on Saturday, November 4.
Login
Register
FAQ
